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November 30, 2019

The Best of November 2019 by the Mystagogy Resource Center (MRC)


Below is the monthly review for the month of November 2019 of the ten most popular articles on johnsanidopoulos.com, then all the posts made on the other websites of the Mystagogy Resource Center. As for the most popular post from all the websites of the Mystagogy Resource Center for the month of November, that honor goes to:


JohnSanidopoulos.com

1. The Story of Saint Paisios' Book About Saint Arsenios the Cappadocian

2. The Discovery of the Relics of Saint Katherine at Sinai

3. Why A Certain Priest Refused To Read A Newspaper

4. Saint Iakovos Tsalikes Appeared in the Center of Athens in 2016

The Sole of the Right Foot of the Apostle Andrew in Kefallonia


The Monastery of the Holy Apostle Andrew in Milapidia of Kefallonia was founded during the Byzantine era, and deserted after the 13th century. It was reestablished in 1579, when three spiritual sisters named Benedictine, Leondia and Magdalene, originating from the first capital of Kefallonia - the Middle Age Municipality of Kastro - bought the land where the ruined chapel of the Apostle Andrew preexisted, aiming to lead a monastic life.

The Sandal of the Apostle Andrew in Trier


By Anatoly Kholodiuk

When you ascend the winding stone staircase leading to the sanctuary containing the robe of Jesus Christ in the Cathedral of Saint Peter in the German city of Trier, you’ll definitely stop to catch your breath on the spacious landing half way up. Here, to the left of the little table where they sell books and Catholic souvenirs, is a door with a turnstile to the vestry (built in 1450 and rebuilt in 1900). Here they explain that one can enter for a small fee. A special key sets in motion a metal “spinner” and the pilgrims are allowed in to look at the remarkable treasures of the vestry, and venerate the relics safeguarded there.

Saint Hieronymos of Simonopetra Celebrated for the First Time in His Own Monastery


When the Ecumenical Patriarchate announced the official canonization of Elder Hieronymos of Simonopetra on November 27th, with a feast day established for May 9th, Simonopetra Monastery celebrated the announcement and venerated their spiritual father of many years with great honors. The Saint entered this monastery when he was 17 years old and lived there for 43 years, serving as abbot from 1920-1931. He was then exiled to the Monastery of the Ascension in the town of Vyronas southeast of Athens, at the foot of Mount Hymettus, which is a dependency of the Simonopetra Monastery, where he reposed on January 6, 1957.

The Archbishop of Greece Helps a Homeless Elderly Couple


On the afternoon of Friday 22 November 2019, Archbishop Hieronymos of Athens and All Greece visited a church in Kerameikos, which is an area of Athens located to the northwest of the Acropolis, to meet an elderly couple, 84-year-old Philip and his 82-year-old wife Helen.

November 29, 2019

Holy Hieromartyr Philoumenos of Cyprus, Who Was Martyred at Jacob's Well in 1979

Icon of Saint Philoumenos (Michalis Koullepos, 1999).
In the church of the Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas, Orounda.

Childhood Years – Departure for the Monastery

Saint Philoumenos was born on October 15th, 1913 in the parish of Saint Savvas in Nicosia. His parentage originated from the village of Orounda, a village of the Nicosia district in Cyprus. The Saint’s parents were George and Magdalene Hassapis.

Holy Hieromartyr Abibos, Bishop of Nekresi

St. Abibos of Nekresi (Feast Day - November 29)

Saint Abibos of Nekresi was one of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers who arrived in Georgia in the 6th century under the leadership of Saint John of Zedazeni.

With the blessing of his instructor, Saint Abibos began his apostolic activity in Nekresi, a village set among the hills in the eastern region of Kakheti. For his virtuous deeds, Saint Abibus was soon consecrated bishop of his diocese.

Saint Nectarius the Obedient of the Kiev Caves

St. Nectarius the Obedient (Feast Day - November 29)

Venerable Nectarius the Obedient was a monk of the Kiev Caves Lavra in the twelfth century. For his unquestioning obedience to the will of his elder and the brethren and his zeal for work he was called “the Obedient.” Saint Nectarius was buried in the Near Cave of Saint Anthony.

November 28, 2019

The Akathist Hymn "Glory to God for All Things", or the Akathist of Thanksgiving

Metropolitan Tryphon of Turkestan

This Akathist, also called the "Akathist of Thanksgiving," was found among the belongings of Protopresbyter Gregory Petrov upon his death in a prison camp in 1940. The title is from the words of Saint John Chrysostom as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the most terrible sufferings attributed to Metropolitan Tryphon of Turkestan.

Saint Maurice, Emperor of the Romans, With His Six Sons


On November 28th the Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Maurice, Roman Emperor from 582 to 602, together with his six sons, who were all executed together in 602.

Below is a history of the Saint of Syrian origin:

The Holy Fifteen Martyrs of Tiberioupolis, Patrons of Kilkis


Kilkis is a city in Central Macedonia, Greece. During the First Balkan War of 1912, the Ottoman Empire was defeated by the Balkan League and forced to concede almost all of its European territories, leaving Kilkis within the new boundaries of Bulgaria. In the Second Balkan War of 1913, the Greek army captured the city from the Bulgarians after the three-day Battle of Kilkis-Lahanas between June 19 and June 21. The battle was costly, with over 8,652 casualties on the Greek side and 7,000 on the Bulgarian side. The significance of the Battle of Kilkis-Lahanas can be appreciated by the fact that Greece named a battleship after the city, the Kilkís. Kilkis was almost completely destroyed by the Greek Army after the battle and virtually all of its 13,000 pre-war Bulgarian inhabitants were expelled to Bulgaria. The new town was built closer to the railway tracks to Thessaloniki, around the Greek Church of Saint George, and was settled by Greeks who were expelled from Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire, especially from Strumica.

Saint Theodore, Archbishop of Rostov (+ 1394)

St. Theodore of Rostov (Feast Day - November 28)

Saint Theodore, the first Archbishop of Rostov, in the world John, was the son of Stephen (brother of Saint Sergius of Radonezh), who occupied an important post under Prince Andrew of Radonezh. Left a widower, Stephen became a monk, and together with his twelve-year-old son, he went to the Monastery to Saint Sergius, who foreseeing the ascetic life of the child John, tonsured him with the name Theodore on the feast of Saint Theodore the Hair-Shirt Wearer (April 20). In the monastery he learned the Greek language and how to paint icons.

Elder Sophrony of Essex and Elder Hieronymos of Simonopetra Officially Canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate


On Wednesday 27 November 2019 the Ecumenical Patriarchate officially canonized Elder Sophrony of Essex and Elder Hieronymos of Simonopetra, adding them to the list of saints, following a promise made by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during his visit to Mount Athos in October 2019.

For more about St. Sophrony:


For more about St. Hieronymos:






November 27, 2019

Saint James the Persian as a Model for our Lives


By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

Saint James lived in the fourth century. He came from Persia and lived in the city of Bethlava. Being of noble lineage, he was friends with King Yazdegerd of Persia. Unfortunately, however, this friendship proved fatal for James, for it became the cause for which he changed his faith. Following pressure from his "friend" the King, he renounced his faith in Christ and worshiped idols. This brought great sadness to his mother and his wife, who truly loved him, which caused them to be hard on him, in order to lead him to repentance. They told him that after what he had done, they no longer wanted to see him. "We will receive you only if you sincerely repent," they told him in a letter. The attitude of his loved ones shocked him and led him to repentance. He sensed his great error and wept bitterly. Then, armed with spiritual courage, he went to the king and confessed boldly his faith in Christ. With this the king put him to be horribly tortured. He cut into little pieces the feet and hands of his "friend", and finally he beheaded him. Thus, James with the blood of his martyrdom sealed his confession, but also corrected the error of his renunciation.

Synaxis of the Icon of the Mother of God of the Sign in Novgorod

Synaxis of the Icon of the Theotokos of the Sign (Feast Day - November 27)

The term Mother of God of the Sign is a reference to the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel."

The image of the Christ child represents him at the moment of his conception in the womb of the Virgin. He is depicted not as a fetus, but rather vested in divine robes, and often holding a scroll, symbolic of his role as teacher. Sometimes his robes are gold or white, symbolizing divine glory; sometimes they are blue and red, symbolizing the two natures of Christ.

November 26, 2019

Why A Certain Priest Refused To Read A Newspaper


Father Gabriel Frangoulis (1868-1943) was a simple priest from Patras, Greece who in many ways personified an ideal image of a parish priest. Before becoming a hieromonk he was a farmer with the name Philip. During the Balkan Wars of 1912 and 1913, he was the pastor in the village of Agios Ilias. While serving there, he became very much involved in politics and excited about the national restoration of the Greek people and nation. Every day he would run to Myrtia Railway Station to buy a newspaper, and would absorb the news of the victorious advance of the Greek army into Macedonia and Epirus, feeling boastful with national pride. And when he read about the Bulgarian advance into Thessaloniki and the threat posed for the city, he would become inflamed and feel like he was going to burst. "Oh, if I was only there right now, I would crush some of them," he would say to himself. But when he internally realized what he was saying, he felt disturbed in his soul, and he heard a loud voice rebuke him: "Shame on you, Gabriel! What are you saying, as a clergyman! From now on, you will never read a newspaper again."

Saint Stylianos Resource Page

St. Stylianos of Paphlagonia (Feast Day - November 26)

Verses

 The firm pillar of asceticism has fallen,
For Stylianos has left this life.
Stylianos joyfully stands by God on the twenty-sixth.
 
 
 


The Wonderworking Skull of Saint Stylianos


The Skull of Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia is a miraculous relic kept at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Saika of the municipality of Agrafa in the Metropolis of Thessaliotis. He is the patron saint of children and many of his miracles have to do with the healing and bearing of children.

November 25, 2019

The Discovery of the Relics of Saint Katherine at Sinai


By John Sanidopoulos

In the account of the Life and Passion of Saint Katherine of Alexandria from the tenth century written by St. Symeon the Metaphrastes, we read in her final prayer before her martyrdom her request that God would hide her body so that it could not be divided up for relics. It is believed by many scholars that this request was added by St. Symeon to account for the fact that no relics of St. Katherine existed. Like Moses in the Old Testament, the place of her burial was unknown. According to St. Symeon, angels took the body of St. Katherine and buried it at Mount Sinai. If the relics of St. Katherine would ever be found, you would have to go to Mount Sinai to find them.

November 24, 2019

Two Sermons on the Rich Young Ruler (St. Cyril of Alexandria)


By St. Cyril of Alexandria

Commentary on the Gospel of Luke

Sermon 122

Luke 18:18-27

And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why do you call Me good? No-one is good, but one, God. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear witness falsely; honour your father and your mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth. And when Jesus heard these things, He said unto him; You still lack one thing: sell all that you have, and distribute to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And Jesus seeing it said, How hardly shall they that have gold enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to enter in through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, And who can live? And He said, The things which are impossible with men, are possible with God.

Thirteenth Sunday of Luke: Gospel Reading


Thirteenth Sunday of Luke

Gospel According to Luke 18:18-27

The Rich Young Ruler

English

At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost: Epistle Reading


Twenty-Third Sunday of Pentecost

St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:4-10

English

Brethren, God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God: not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Exaposteilarion and Doxastikon of the First Resurrection Eothinon Gospel for Sunday Matins


The following hymns from the Sunday Matins service are directly related to the First Eothinon Resurrection Gospel (Matthew 28:16-20) read before the Canon, which speaks of the Great Commission of our Lord to the eleven disciples. There are eleven eothina all together, and each Sunday is successively dedicated to one of them, then the cycle starts again. Each of the eleven eothina symbolizes one of the eleven disciples to whom the Lord appeared following His Resurrection.

The Eleven Sunday Matins Resurrection Eothina Gospels


Eleven Sunday Matins Resurrection Eothina Gospels

First Eothinon


Second Eothinon


Third Eothinon


Fourth Eothinon



Fifth Eothinon



Sixth Eothinon


Seventh Eothinon



Eighth Eothinon



Ninth Eothinon


Tenth Eothinon



Eleventh Eothinon




November 23, 2019

Saint Amphilochios of Iconium Resource Page

St. Amphilochios of Iconium (Feast Day - November 23)

Verses

Make ready Amphilochios the vestments of death,
You scatter those lying in wait and dead you perceive with the mind.
On the twenty-third Amphilochios received death.
   
 
 
 
 
 


The 19 Letters of Basil the Great to Amphilochios of Iconium







The Life, Work and Thought of St. Amphilochios of Iconium


St. Amphilochius of Iconium

By Fr. George Florovsky

I. Life.

Amphilochius was closely connected with the great Cappadocians and apparently was related to Gregory the Theologian. He was born between 339 and 345 in Caesarea in Cappadocia, where his father was a rhetorician. He studied with Libanius in Antioch and then went to Constantinople as a rhetorician and lawyer. About 370 he returned to his native land and for several years lived in the home of his parents, in spite of the fact that he was always attracted by the monastic way of life. At the end of 373 Amphilochius, against his will, was consecrated bishop of Iconium. His elevation was probably due to the influence of Basil the Great. Amphilochius was responsible for a very large area (he was the first metropolitan of the new province of Lycaonia) and he frequently relied on Basil for advice and help in his pastoral duties. He turned to him during his struggle with the Pneumatomachi and received in answer Basil's tract On the Holy Spirit, which was intended for the instruction of the dissenters. He was also the recipient of Basil's Canonical Rules. Basil, for his part, had a high opinion of Amphilochius. Amphilochius began to study theology only after he became bishop. It is unlikely that he devoted much attention to problems of speculative theology because he was not interested in philosophy and he had no background in it. This is evident in all of his theological writing. His theology is simple, even to the point of naiveté, and it is always based on Biblical material.

November 22, 2019

Saint Iakovos Tsalikes Appeared in the Center of Athens in 2016


By Thanasis Constantinopoulos

It was March of 2016 and I was waiting for the green traffic light behind the Hilton Hotel in Athens. My relationship with the Church was nonexistent. Someone with a big beard approached me. I took him for a beggar.

From my open window he said to me:

"You're a good kid. The restaurant you have, it will go well, and the girl you met is good. Be with her."

Saint Menignos the Fuller as a Model for our Lives


By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

Saint Menignos lived in the 3rd century A.D., during the reign of Emperor Decius. He was from Colonia on the Hellespont, from the city of Parion, named this way because it was founded by residents of the island of Paros, and it was between Kyzikos and Lampsakos. He was a fuller by trade, that is, a launderer who washed and cleaned clothes. During that time a great persecution broke out against the Christians, and among those who gave their confession of Christ and sealed it with their blood was Menignos.

Elder Gregory Papasotiriou Has Reposed


On Tuesday 19 November 2019, one of the great elders of the 20th and 21st centuries, Elder Gregory Papasotiriou, reposed at the age of 79 after years of struggling with health issues.

The Elder was a spiritual child of Saint Paisios the Athonite and with his spiritual guidance he was tonsured with the angelic schema.

He was ordained a deacon and a priest by Metropolitan Synesios of Kassandreia, and was a preacher of the Holy Metropolis of Kassandreia.

November 21, 2019

A Clarification on the Ascension of Enoch and Elijah by St. Gregory Palamas


By St. Gregory Palamas

Today the Lord not only stood with His disciples after His resurrection, but was also parted from them and was taken up into heaven as they watched, ascended and entered into the true Holy of Holies and sat down on the right hand of the Father, far above all principality and power and every name and honor that is known and named, either in this world, or in that which is to come. There were many resurrections before Christ’s resurrection, and similarly, there were many ascensions before His ascension. The Spirit lifted up Jeremiah the prophet, and an angel took up Habakkuk. In particular it is written that Elijah went up with a chariot of fire. But even he did not go beyond the realms of earth, and the ascension of each of those mentioned was just a sort of movement lifting them up from the ground without taking them out of the area surrounding the earth. Similarly, the others who were resurrected all died and returned to the earth. By contrast, Christ has risen and death no longer has dominion over Him, and now He has ascended and sat down on high, every height is below Him and bears witness that He is God over all.

- Homily 1 on the Ascension of Christ

God carried away Enoch too, but did He take him to Heaven? Certainly not! For "no man hath ascended up to Heaven, but He that came down from Heaven." ... If, however, it is written that Enoch was moved to somewhere on earth by God, he was clearly taken to a lesser place than that now allotted to the Virgin, for nowhere on earth is more sacred than the Holy of Holies.

- Homily 2 on the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple


Homily on the Entrance of the Theotokos Into the Temple (St. Theophylact of Ochrid)


By St. Theophylact of Ochrid

All too often the “remembrance of the righteous, which is accompanied by encomia” is an opportunity to censure the person praising if he falls short of expressing the worth of the person being praised - because the address is not always, nor in all circumstances, equivalent to reality. But how can I speak of the Lady of all the righteous, the Mother of God, of He who is the King of Righteousness, or touch very lightly on even a part of her real worth, since it is my intention to praise her memory?

I think that if there were angelic voices who really were the heralds of certain mysteries, even they would not be able reach the sublime grace of the Mother of God. No human person could ever, in a fitting manner, hymn the praises of her whose holiness surpassed the whole of creation. Shall we then keep silent and dismiss the Mother of God without further ado, who for us is the underlying cause of a life of reason, or shall we speak with whatever strength we possess, blessing her in accordance with the prophecy, and with all of our strength we will revere all the wondrous works she has done? In doing this we will also glorify the great and indescribable things of God, proclaiming His greatness, which of course is beyond comprehension, however at the same time we also who speak of these things as well as those who listen will become sanctified.

Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos Into the Temple: Epistle and Gospel Reading


Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos

Matins Gospel Reading

Gospel According to Luke 1:39-49, 56

English

In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

November 20, 2019

On Saint Proclus of Constantinople (Socrates Scholasticus)


By Socrates Scholasticus

(Ecclesiastical History, Bk. 7, Chs. 40-45, 48)

Chapter 40. Proclus succeeds Maximian as Bishop of Constantinople.

Maximian, having peacefully governed the church during two years and five months, died on the 12th of April, in the consulate of Areobindus and Aspar. This happened to be on the fifth day of the week of fasts which immediately precedes Easter. The day of the week was Thursday. Then the Emperor Theodosius wishing to prevent the disturbances in the church which usually attend the election of a bishop, made a wise provision for this affair; for in order that there might be no dispute again about the choice of a bishop and tumult thus arise, without delaying, before the body of Maximian was interred, he directed the bishops who were then in the city to place Proclus in the episcopal chair. For he had received already letters from Caelestinus bishop of Rome approving of this election, which he had forwarded to Cyril of Alexandria, John of Antioch, and Rufus of Thessalonica; in which he assured them that there was no impediment to the translation to another see, of a person who had been nominated and really was the bishop of some one church. Proclus, being thus invested with the bishopric, performed the funeral obsequies of Maximian: but it is now time briefly to give some account of him also.

Saint Proclus and his Writings


S. Proclus and his Writings

(The Ecclesiastic, vol. 26, 1864)

It is proposed to give a brief account of some of the orations or sermons of S. Proclus, who was the Patriarch of Constantinople during the middle of the fifth century. We at first perused them for our own profit and pleasure, and afterwards it seemed that a short notice of them would not be without interest for some of our readers. The high price as well as the rarity of the books in which they are published puts them out of the reach of those who either have but small opportunities for collecting books, or who lack the means of procuring large folios.

November 19, 2019

Prophet Obadiah Resource Page

Holy Prophet Obadiah (Feast Day - November 19)

Verses

Once Obadiah made known the future,
Swiftly bringing shame.
On the nineteenth the life of Obadiah passed beyond.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Preface to the Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Obadiah (St. Cyril of Alexandria)


By St. Cyril of Alexandria


Preface to the Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Obadiah (St. Jerome)


By St. Jerome


Preface to the Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Obadiah (Theodore of Mopsuestia)


By Theodore of Mopsuestia


On the Prophet Obadiah (St. Augustine of Hippo)


By St. Augustine of Hippo

(The City of God, Bk. 19, Ch. 32)

Obadiah, so far as his writings are concerned, the briefest of all the prophets, speaks against Idumea, that is, the nation of Esau, that reprobate elder of the twin sons of Isaac and grandsons of Abraham. Now if, by that form of speech in which a part is put for the whole, we take Idumea as put for the nations, we may understand of Christ what he says among other things, "But upon Mount Sion shall be safety, and there shall be a Holy One." [Ob. 17] And a little after, at the end of the same prophecy, he says, "And those who are saved again shall come up out of Mount Sion, that they may defend Mount Esau, and it shall be a kingdom to the Lord." [Ob. 21] It is quite evident this was fulfilled when those saved again out of Mount Sion — that is, the believers in Christ from Judea, of whom the apostles are chiefly to be acknowledged — went up to defend Mount Esau. How could they defend it except by making safe, through the preaching of the gospel, those who believed that they might be "delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God?" [Col. 1:13] This he expressed as an inference, adding, "And it shall be to the Lord a kingdom." For Mount Sion signifies Judea, where it is predicted there shall be safety, and a Holy One, that is, Christ Jesus. But Mount Esau is Idumea, which signifies the Church of the Gentiles, which, as I have expounded, those saved again out of Sion have defended that it should be a kingdom to the Lord. This was obscure before it took place; but what believer does not find it out now that it is done?


A Church and Village in Crete Dedicated to the Prophet Obadiah


Avdou (Αβδού) village is 38km east of the city of Heraklion on the island of Crete and 15km from Hersonissos village on the road leading to the Lasithi Plateau. The village of Avdou is located in the Cretan hinterland, in a semi-mountainous location at the foot of Mount Selena and at an altitude of 230 meters.

The village of Avdou, according to tradition, was named after the Prophet Abdios (Αβδιού, pronounced Avdiou)), which is the Greek pronunciation for the Prophet Obadiah, whose chapel was in nearby Kontaria or Lines. This church was renovated by locals in 2005 and celebrates its feast on November 19th.

November 18, 2019

The House of Saint Nektarios on the Island of Chios

House of St. Nektarios in Lithi

Lithi is located at the side of the mountain Erikani, about 120m above sea level, 23km west of Chios town, with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. The population is probably no more than 500 people. It is one of the 22 villages on the island of Chios that cultivate the unique mastic tree that produces the masticha.

November 17, 2019

Synaxis of All Saints of Kastoria


On the third Sunday of November, the Metropolis of Kastoria celebrates the Synaxis of All Saints of Kastoria. On this day, in the Church of Saint Nikanoros, portions of the sacred relics of these Saints are displayed for veneration by the faithful.

Among the Saints celebrated this day who had some association with Kastoria - whether they were born there, served there, taught there or died there - are the following:

Sermon on the Parable of the Rich Fool (St. Cyril of Alexandria)


By St. Cyril of Alexandria

Commentary on the Gospel of Luke

Sermon 89

Luke 12:13-21

And one of the multitude said unto Him, "Teacher, bid my brother divide with me the inheritance." But He said unto him, "Man, who made Me a judge or a divider over you?" And He said unto them, "Take heed, and keep yourselves from all greediness: for a man's life is not from his possessions by reason of his having a superfluity." And He spoke a parable unto them, saying, "The land of a certain rich man brought forth unto him plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, because I have not where to gather my fruits?' And he said, 'This will I do: I will pull down my storehouses, and build greater: and there will I gather all my crops and my goods. And I will say to myself, Self, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, enjoy thyself.' But God said unto him, 'You fool, this night they demand of you your soul. But whose shall those things be which you have provided?' So is he that lays up treasures for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Ninth Sunday of Luke: Gospel Reading


Ninth Sunday of Luke

Gospel According to Luke 12:16-21

Parable of the Rich Fool

English

The Lord said this parable: "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." As he said these things, he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost: Epistle Reading


Twenty-Second Sunday of Pentecost

St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18

English

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

November 16, 2019

Church of Saint Matthew of the Sinaites in Heraklion, Crete


Approximately 500m south of the Cathedral of Saint Menas, within the historic district of Heraklion, is the Church of Saint Matthew of the Sinaites. The present building dates back to just after the earthquake of 1508. However, the earliest references in the lists of churches of Candia (Crete), state that the first temple goes as far back as the second Byzantine period. Regarded as “Great and Unique”, the Church of Saint Matthew was inextricably connected with the life of the city.